Albany Bistro and 1818 Farms Present Benefit Farm to Table Dinner

Posted by Natasha McCrary on Oct 02, 2013

Albany Bistro and 1818 Farms Present Benefit Farm to Table Dinner

DECATUR, Ala. — Learning about the cycle of food is the theme for the first “Dinner on the Farm” planned for October 18 at 1818 Farms in Mooresville. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Committee on Church Cooperation, Decatur’s soup kitchen and pantry.

Natasha McCrary, owner of 1818 Farms, described the farm to table movement as more than just using local food.

“It’s local produce straight from a local farmer that you put right on your table,” she said.

Jake Reed, executive chef and owner of the Albany Bistro in Decatur, who will be preparing the dinner, elaborated on the movement that may seem trendy to today’s “foodies,” but was a way of life to previous generations, especially in the south.

“It’s knowing your farmer, where the food comes from and the story behind your food. A lot of people feel like if they go to the farmer’s market they know where their food comes from, but people don’t take time to talk about how the food is grown,” he said, adding that many people still have a supermarket mentality when they go to the farmer’s market. Knowing the grower is more important than ever with the explosion in popularity of farmer’s markets.

Rick Brown, managing partner of the Albany Bistro, agreed, adding that people should be asking why farmers do what they do.

“The farmer who only grows green beans because he loves green beans is probably going to be growing the best green beans,” he said.

Those who attend “Dinner on the Farm” will be eating at the farm where the food was grown and will be able to talk to the farmers as well as to the people who prepared the dinner. It will be a true seed-to-harvest-to-table experience, according to McCrary.

“This will be a real opportunity to get to know a farmer, best practices and what day-to-day life is like,” she said.

Participating farms who have generously agreed to donate their food include Smith Farms, Champion Farms, Tune Farms, and 1818 Farms.

The event will begin with a farm tour at 5:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Although the menu cannot be announced with certainty, because only the freshest available produce will be served, diners will receive a five-course meal. Alcoholic beverages will not be served but guests are welcome to bring their favorite libations. Entertainment will be provided by Phil Weaver and Emily Jones. Cost for the event is $75.

The farm is located at 24889 Lauderdale Street in Mooresville. Free parking will be provided and the location is accessible to those with mobility issues. Dress for the event is farm casual.

For more information about this event, contact 1818 Farms at 256-714-3220 or 1818farms@gmail.com